Joining the Windsors: Looking ahead to life as a royal for Kate

Kate Middleton said herself that the thought of entering the royal family was something of a "daunting prospect"

But just how much will the future queen's life change when she becomes a part of the House of Windsor?

The first difference to affect the princess-to-be will be that she will immediately enjoy round-the-clock security from Scotland Yard bodyguards.

Up until now the 28-year-old has not been afforded such protection and has become a victim of paparazzi intrusion on numerous occasions – with her lawyers threatening legal action in the past.

After the couple marry they plan to live on Anglesey, where William is based at RAF Valley while he works as a search and rescue pilot.

They will more than likely make use of a royal residence, too. Probably St James's Palace in the capital, just a stone's throw from Kate's future father-in-law Prince Charles' residence Clarence House.

Marrying into the royal family will, of course, give Kate a title. She is likely to become a Duchess, as tradition dictates royal men receive a dukedom or some other title following their wedding.

Possible titles for William include the Duke of Clarence, Cambridge, Connaught or Sussex.

These honours are a gift from the Queen and it would be up to her to select one for William.

If the second-in-line makes the surprise move of turning down a dukedom, Kate would be known as either HRH Princess William of Wales, Princess Catherine or Kate of Wales – at least until Prince Charles becomes King.

When that happens, her husband will take on his father's title of Prince of Wales, making Kate the Princess of Wales.

So what will the future queen's role be?

Her CV so far has included a stint at high street chain Jigsaw and working for her family's party-accessories business Party Pieces.

William is apparently keen to avoid the pitfalls that certain royal other-halves have experienced.

The Countess of Wessex caused controversy for the family when her PR company was the subject of a tabloid sting, and the business endeavours of Sarah, Duchess of York, have often led to unfavourable headlines.

Indeed, when asked why he had waited so long to get engaged, William said he had wanted "to learn some lessons from the past".

Kate is perhaps better prepared for embarking on life as a royal than some the other wives, as she's had time to adjust to life in the spotlight.

Eight years as William's other half has helped her learn how to deal with the media and intense public interest.

But in the light of all this, if she can't pursue what could be described as a 'normal' career, what will Kate do? It's understood that the elegant brunette favours the idea of being a stay-at-home RAF wife but will take on a small number of royal patronages.

The bride-to-be has done charity work for Starlight Children's Foundation in the past – amongst other things, organising a charity roller disco.

And it's thought this is an area of interest that she will now step up as she moves further and further into the public eye.

Children are also part of the couple's future plans, and although they might not start adding to their family immediately, William hinted that day might not be far off.

"I think we'll take it one step at a time. We'll sort of get over the marriage first and then maybe look at the kids," he said.

"But obviously we want a family so we'll have to start thinking about that."